A line-up of Connacht players launched the province's new kit sfor the 2012/13 season on Wednesday with a display of skills and athleticism in Galway city centre.

Two packs in the home and away kits went head to head in a series of lineout challenges in the city's very own Shop Street.

A large gathering of supporters and onlookers had the chance to have their photos taken with the Connacht team and were also treated to signed posters and team photos.

Connacht Rugby, in partnership with RugbyTech, designed the final range which sees the home kit feature more black than previous years alongside the traditional club green.

The home jersey features a Celtic motif that is reflective of the spirit of the province, and this design is carried onto the black shorts featuring a green Celtic knot. Black socks with a green band complete the home kit.

The blue and white colours of the Connacht crest provided the inspiration for the away kit, a crest which has its origins from the 11th century with King Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair.

The jersey also features green and is finished with a white trim. Blue shorts with a green knot and white socks complete this new look away kit.

Alex Saul, head of marketing with Connacht Rugby, said: "These are exciting times for Connacht Rugby with the province undergoing a great degree of change, however we are very conscious of the fact that we remain true to our heritage.

"Connacht has an unparalleled place in Irish history, and we are keen that this is conspicuous on the new jerseys. The home kit is a different blend of our traditional green and black, with vivid Celtic symbolism.

"We feel supporters will particularly enjoy the distinctive away kit as white and blue are the predominant colours of our crest.

"Connacht Rugby supporters have always worn their teams colours with pride and passion, and this seasons kit represents those core values."

Loman Caulfied, sports marketing director with RugbyTech, commented: "At RugbyTech we worked closely with Connacht Rugby to uncover more of the values and traditions that represent the province.

"We firmly believe that supporters will be more than pleased with what we have produced. This launch marks a new direction in Connacht Rugby merchandise.

"We have greatly increased the availability of the new strips so that Connacht supporters both inside and outside the province will be able to purchase in-store, while our leisure wear range has been expanded to cater for a wide range of tastes.

"The new range has been endorsed whole heartedly by the entire squad, who worked closely with us throughout the design process, and we are confident that Connacht fans will be of a similar opinion."

Richard Molloy, marketing and PR Director from Mazda Ireland, added: "We are delighted with the look and feel of home and away strips for the coming season. They highlight the change that is taking place at Connacht Rugby, while also acknowledging the values of the province.

"Mazda is pleased to be a part of the exciting developments taking place at the Sportsground and cannot wait for the season to begin against the Cardiff Blues in the first weekend of September."

The home jersey is available now, while the away strip and supporting leisurewear will be available from August 25. Connacht Rugby Season Ticket holders can avail of a 10% discount on merchandise.

The new range will be available in the following Elverys outlets in Galway: Corbett Court Shopping Centre, Liosban, Tuam and Retail Park.

In Mayo the new kits will be available in Ballina, Wesport, Castlebar and Castlemorris.

Throughout the rest of the province the new strips can be purchased in Carrick-on-Shannon, Athlone, Johnston Court in Sligo and Golden Island in Athlone. Elverys outlets in Arnotts shopping centre, the Aviva Stadium, Suffolk Street, Blanchardstown, Dawson Street and Fonthill.

The Cresent and Parkway outlets in Limerick will also have the new jerseys in-store.

Connacht will be holding a number of in-store promotions before the season kicks off against the Cardiff Blues on September 1 to promote the new launch.

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